Statement by Nancy Northup, President

"It has been 31 years since the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Roe recognized that the right to make childbearing choices is central to women’s lives and their ability to participate fully and equally in society.

Before Roe as many as 5,000 to 10,000 women died per year following illegal abortions and many more suffered severe injuries. Yet 31 years later, anti-choice forces are doing everything they can to take us back to that time.

Last November, President Bush signed into law the first federal abortion ban in U.S. history, prohibiting doctors from using safe abortion procedures starting as early as 12 weeks of pregnancy. Since 1995, at least 335 anti-choice measures have been enacted in the states, and with each new session, the U.S. Congress and state legislatures continue to introduce bills that seek to eviscerate Roe.

On this year’s anniversary, the Center for Reproductive Rights is working hard to protect women’s choice. In March, we will go to trial in Carhart v. Ashcroft , the Center’s challenge to the federal abortion ban currently being blocked by courts in Nebraska, New York and California. This new law is a direct attack on Roe v. Wade , and we will do everything we can to prevent it from harming women and doctors."

To learn more about Roe v. Wade, clicke here